During a reccent steelhead trip on the Muskegon River (last week), I learned why the Palomar knot is superior to the improved clinch. Landing 12 pound steelhead on 3x tippet in heavy current was possible when you used a knot that approached 100 per cent efficiency. The palomar does that, while the improved clinch that I normally use at best tests 95 per cent. Furthermore, I learned that the palomar can be used as a dropper on the tippet above the tag end fly. A great knot that is easy to tie and with it you gain additonal confidence as a result of its efficiency.

The George Harvey knot is strictly used here in PA for dry flies. It insure that the fly drifts correctly and, I believe, gives you a good hook set when you lift the rod.

One knot you didn't include is the non-slip mono loop. It is a superb knot that tests close to 100 per cent for flies that you want to impart additonal action by using a loop.

striblue

11-22-2001, 10:34 PM

I always use the Non slip mono since I have had great luck with it and like the action that it imparts on the fly. It seems to keep the fly some what independant of the leader for movement purposes...

juro

11-22-2001, 11:12 PM

Mayfly - good topic.

I replied with one caveat - I tie loop eye salmon hooks with a double turle knot and straight eye hooks with a palomar.

I rarely use other knots except when tying a dropper off the bend of a dry fly for a small nymph, which calls for a uniknot. If my tippet in saltwater is too short to support a palomar and I occasionally use a clinch until the blitz subsides and I have time to replace the tippet provided I am using 15# or better for tippet.

Since this is a 'general' poll I chose palomar, which I believe is the best knot out there.

Dble Haul

11-24-2001, 10:10 AM

Given the generality of the poll, I chose the palomar knot, but the improved clinch knot is a very close second. Good poll topic!

mayflyman

11-28-2001, 12:00 AM

I use the improved clinch knot mostly, I just started using the orvis knot. (see attchment below) The major problem I have been having lately is with my perfection loop/fly line connection pulling out. I guess I'm trimming the tag ends too close. :rolleyes:

saltRon

11-28-2001, 01:54 AM

What about the surgeons knot double and triple ---- triline 100% stength --- Clinch and improved clinch approx 90%stregnth test of line . Different Knots Different situations. two loops through eye improve your chances dependent your your finish wraps.
A knot dose not fail untill it slips or cuts through itself
My .02 and mister peat water
saltRon

Mylo

11-28-2001, 10:01 AM

I mostly use (double?) tucked blood knots (improved clinch knot) still, but also use the twice thru' the eye trick mentioned by saltron. I have never had one fail...

(I lie! just remembered merrily false casting when I realised the lovely dry I had tied on had mystriously disappeared this May (dismay:p ) - probably down to the "tea" I had with my lunch)

...but then I doubt most of the the fish I get into really test the leader strength let alone the knot!

I had to check out what a couple of the knots were (!) although I have used em all at some stage. I find myself always using the same knot for tying on a fly to keep it simple... ...where it gets more exciting is choosing one to construct a leader or attatch it to the fly line! ;)

Mylo

PS used this link from the leaders and stuff board below to brush up on make sure I was talking about the knots I thought I was talking about:
Leadertec knot site (http://www.leadertec.com/knots_index.html)

striblue

11-28-2001, 11:05 AM

A Surgeon Knot will lose 50% of it strength if it is not tied perfectly.

saltRon

11-28-2001, 08:48 PM

Originally posted by striblue
A Surgeon Knot will lose 50% of it strength if it is not tied perfectly.

Agree totaly but I think you will also agree that any of our knots if not tied or closed properly will lose a great deal of its stregnth or ability to stay to-gether